Highlights:
- Concerns remain around arbitrary arrests and a tendency to skip due processes
- Interim government utilised the controversial Cyber Security Act to deter activism
- It urges govt to invoke Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Amnesty recommends giving due consideration to women and minorities' rights in the National Consensus Commission meetings
- Wants strengthening of the National Human Rights Commission by repealing existing legislation, making it independent
- Calls for abolishing the death penalty
- Wants govt to cooperate with the UN Special Procedures, agree to visit requests of the Special Rapporteurs
While the goals stated by Chief Adviser Muhammad in terms of fair elections, rule of law and establishing a democratic state which upholds human rights and values, among others, reflect the language and aspirations of the July Declaration, the track record of the interim government over the past twelve months does not align with these aspirations, Amnesty International has said.
The report said the chief adviser in his July Declaration had stated that the Bangladesh people wanted to see accountability for the alleged crimes of the AL regime.
"However, one year on, little information is available on the progress of the investigations and trials of other suspected perpetrators of violence, including those from the defence apparatus and associated with the Awami League such as the Bangladesh Chhatra League," Amnesty said.
It further flagged concerns under the interim government centring adherence to due process safeguards, arbitrary arrests and the availability of sufficient admissible evidence of individual criminal wrongdoing.
It said that despite being a signatory to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Bangladesh's interim government had chosen not to invoke the jurisdiction of the court to pursue accountability for international crimes within court jurisdiction.
On right to freedom of expression
Amnesty said earlier this year it had raised alarm over arrests and incidents of harassment and violence against individuals exercising their right to freedom of expression.
It had also highlighted the draconian Cyber Security Act. But this act was again "utilised by the interim government to deter activism."
It said although the Act was repealed this year, a replacement has been brought in by way of a Cyber Protection Ordinance – subject to the approval and adoption into law by a future parliament.
"Separately, the International Crimes Act (ICA) and the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) are among the laws that the interim government has chosen to reform. Many stakeholders, including the UN, have provided technical feedback on compliance with international human rights law and standards.
"Heeding such recommendations and engaging in broad
consultations with civil society and other stakeholders will be a testament to the interim government's willingness to
respect its international obligations during this period of reforms."
Amnesty lauds positive steps of interim
On some positives, it praised the interim government on its positive steps towards a rights-respecting polity, especially with regards to enforced disappearances.
"The release of people who have been subjected to enforced disappearances is a big first step for victims who have been seeking truth, justice and accountability. Additionally, signing up to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance in 7 July Declaration 2024 is another positive development," the report said.
It also lauded extending the mandate of the current Commission on Disappearances.
On reforms, Amnesty International said it was essential that women and minorities' rights are given due consideration and the death penalty is abolished.
Additionally, it urged the interim government to take steps to strengthen the National Human Rights Commission (HRC) in accordance with international standards, particularly the Paris Principles.
"This includes the ability to impartially investigate all human rights violations and abuses, including those allegedly perpetrated by security forces, and make recommendations accordingly."
The existing legislation which governs the HRC must be repealed and replaced with stronger legislation which will ensure the HRC is able to operate in an independent and effective manner, it added.
The rights body also said it was critical that Bangladesh does not miss this opportunity for reform.
"While initial positive steps have indeed been taken to change course, bolder efforts must be made to break away from abusive past practices and impunity," it concluded.
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